March 6, 1914. THE COLLIERY GUARDIAN. 525 the: welsh coal ahd shot trades. Thursday, March 6. Wrexham. Elorth Wales. GOMu The general state of the coal trade of this locality varies very iittle this week from the conditions which prevailed when last writing. There is no lack of orders for the various grades of fuel and all the collieries are continuing on full time. The household coal trade is still quite good, and the prices realised are quite satisfactory from a seller’s point of view. There does not seem to be much being done in regard to future business in this department. There are no fresh developments in regard to gas coal. The usual weekly tonnage has been supplied on account of current contracts, but things do not as yet seem to be moving in reference to fixing of prices for the renewal of present contracts. The market for steam coal is unaltered. The general demand is good for locomotive coal, and for fuel for manufacturing purposes, both for contracts and sundry orders; while the demand for coal for shipment ex the Mersey ports is also good, as are the prices obtained for this business. Slack moves freely, while nuts are at a premium apart from contracts. There is no alteration in the market for gas coke, demand and prices being the same as last week. The current quotations are as below :— Prices at pit. Current L’st week’s Last year’s Prices at pit f.o.r.:— prices. prices. prices. Best house coal 15/6-16/6 15/6-16/6 15/ -16/ Secondary do 14/ -15/ 13/ -13/6 14/ -15/ 14/ -15/ Steam coal 13/3-18/9 12'1 -13/6 Gas coal 13/ -13/9 13/ -13/9 13/6-14/6 Bunkers 12/3-12/9 12/3-12/9 12/ -13/ Nuts 11/ -12/3 11/6-12/ 11/ -12/ Slack 6/6— 8/6 6/6- 8/6 6/6- 9/6 Gas coke (at works) ... Prices landsale:— 13/4-15/ 13/4-15/ 15/ -17/6 Best house coal 17/6-19/2 17/6-19/2 18/4-20/ Seconds 16/8-17/6 16/8-17/6 16/8-17/6 Slack 10/ -12/6 10/ -12/6 10/ -12/6 Newport. cm. Little animation has been shown this week in the coal trade, general enquiry remaining exceedingly quiet through- out all branches of business. As a consequence there is much irregularity apparent in the market, quotations varying according to the position of collieries, those well stemmed, and with a fair supply of ready tonnage, being much firmer in their ideas of prices than others who are not so favourably situated. Values of smalls are affected very much to the same extent, and show like variation, while the steady maintenance of house coal values for months past shows that the understanding which exists in the district, if unknown to the general public, is doing very good work for both collieries and middlemen. The export trade will certainly need some considerable alteration in the tonnage position before there is any substantial improvement to be expected, and this just now does not seem within view; the freight market is dull and inactive, while rates offering show little prospect that the longed-for better times are near. Pitwood has been in fair demand, while the supply is scarcely up to the demand, values firming up to 21s. for good wood ex ship. Prices f.o.b. cash 30 days, less 2| per cent. Steam coals :— Best Black Vein large... Wes tern-valleys, ordin’y Best Eastern-valleys ... Secondary do. Best small coals .... Secondary do......... Inferior do.......... Screenings........... Through coals ....... Best washed nuts..... Other sorts:— Best house coal ..... Secondary do......... Patent fuel ......... Furnace coke ........ Foundry coke ........ Current prices. 17/ -17/6 16/6-16/9 16/ -16/3 15/6-15/9 8/ - 8/6 7/6- 8/ 7/3- 7/6 8/3- 8/6 12/9-13/ 13/6-13/9 18/ -19/ 17/ -18/ 19/9-20/ 20/ -20/6 23/ -25/ L’st week’s|Last year’s prices. 17/3-17/6 16/9-17/ 16/3-16/6 15/9-16/ 8/6- 8/9 8/ - 8/3 7/6- 7/9 8/9 12/9-13/3 13/6-13/9 prices. 17/6-18/ 17/ -17/3 16/3-16/6 16/ -16/3 14/3-14/9 13/6-13/9 12/9-13/ 14/6-14/9 15/3-15/9 14/3-14/9 There is no doubt that quite a considerable amount of business has been done for prompt shipment at nearer 18s. than 19s., which is the current quotation. The lock-out at Genoa has undoubtedly affected the market, as for eight or ten days there was no discharging of coal in consequence of the dispute between the port authorities and the coal- porters. Fortunately this difficulty has now been over- come, and shipments are again being resumed, but while it lasted there was practically no chartering to Genoa, although rates were low, being in the neighbourhood of 6s. 6d. to 6s. 9d. The Admiralty are still taking, comparatively speak- ing, but a small quantity of their usual requirements, but it is anticipated that in the near future shipments on Admir- alty account will be largely augmented. Owing to the accumulating stocks of coal, middlemen have in many instances discounted current prices for shipment later in the month, but colliery salesmen are still optimistic, and refuse to make any abatement in their quotations. They regard the present lull as a temporary phase of the position, and believe that prices will be fully maintained when orders, which have been kept in the background, are placed in the market. Charterings last week only amounted to 264,900 tons, compared with 274,820 tons in the preceding six days, but at the time of writing there was an ample supply of tonnage offering, and prospects of a large business being done. Shipments during the week amounted to 394,200 tons, or a decrease of 10,109 tons compared with the corresponding week of last year. At Newport there was an increase of 39,623 tons and at Port Talbot an improvement of 8,349 tons, but at Swansea there was a decrease of 9,065 tons. Although February is only a short month, the total ship- ments for the port reached the total of 1,660,801 tons, compared with 1,532,031 tons in February last year, or an increase of 128,770 tons. At Newport the shipments were 416,753 tons, an increase of 60,886 tons ; at Swansea 273,057 tons, or an increase of 35,314 tons; and at Port Talbot 166,249 tons, or an excess of 16,888 tons over last year. The chief topic on ’Change this week has been the question of the Egyptian Bailways contract, tenders for which were received at Cairo on Tuesday. At the usual contracting period last autumn the authorities only covered a portion of their requirements, in the hope that prices would be lower in the near future. At that time supplies were arranged for, amounting to about 140,000 tons, for delivery at regular intervals up to the end of March. The price then was understood to be about 16s. 2d. per metric ton f.o.b. When the present enquiry came on to the market alternative tenders were asked for north of England coals, and it is not at all improbable that a substantial portion of the business will go to Northumberland and Yorkshire. It is understood that the Welsh tenders sent in are on the basis of 16s. 6d. to 17s. 6d. per metric ton f.o.b. net, and as Monmouthshire collieries are stated to be well booked for the greater portion of the year it is not thought that any big cut will be made to secure the business. However, this is entirely problematical, and the decision of the State authorities is awaited with considerable interest. The Belgian State Bailway contract for 187,000 tons of bituminous small coal has not yet been settled, but it is reported that seven tenders have been sent in from South Wales at prices ranging from 15 fr. to 16’10 fr. delivered at Antwerp or Ghent. The coal is to be supplied over the year in 36 cargoes of 5,200 tons each. There is a small enquiry on the market for the Trinidad Government of about 7,800 tons of Welsh coal for delivery in June, September and January next. With regard to quotations, current rates for best Admiralties, range from 18s. 6d. to 19s., although in the case of several collieries as much as 19s. 3d. is still being asked. Superior seconds aie 18s. 3d., and for ordinary qualities salesmen are demanding 17s. 3d. to 17s. 6d., but the general tendency is slightly in the direction of easiness. Monmouthshires continue steady, although the tonnage position in some cases has caused irregularity. Best Black Veins are maintained at 17s. 6d., western valleys 17s., and the best of the easterns 16s. 6d., in each case f.o.b. Cardiff. The small coal market is not so firm, although quotations show practically no alteration. Best bunkers are still held for Ils. 3d., but this is a price difficult to obtain, and business is more generally arranged in the neighbourhood Prices f.o.b. Cardiff (except where otherwise stated). of Ils. Ordinaries are 10s. 9d. to Ils., and cargo qualities are selling at 8s. 6d. to 8s. 9d. No. 3 Bhondda bituminous coals are unchanged, but there is an easier tendency in , No. 2 qualities, large being quoted at 14s. 9d. to 15s., and through at Ils. 6d. to Ils. 93. The coke market is still weak, and there is little prospect of any recovery unless an improvement takes place in the steel industry. Quotations are nominally the same, and what business is taking place is a matter of negotiation between the parties. Shipments of patent fuel last week amounted to 31,365 tons, of which the Crown Company despatched 10,307 tons, Swansea 16,058, and Newport 5,300 tons. Quotations for prompt shipment are 21s. 6d., and 21s. is being asked as far ahead as June. Makers are well booked, and there is little likelihood of any material reduction in quotations for a long time to come. Pitwood is 20s. 6d. per ton. IRON.• There was a substantial increase in the shipments of tin- plates last week, no less than 128,087 boxes being exported as against 58,678 boxes the previous week. Still, receipts from works were in excess of the shipments by 12,005 boxes, thus bringing stocks in the docks, warehouses and vans up to 427,281 boxes, as compared with 415,276 boxes the previous week and 418,129 boxes at the corresponding date of last year. A fair amount of new business has been booked from the Eastern market, but generally speaking the demand is quiet, and it is believed that some orders have been held back in the hope that the restriction of output scheme would fall through and that prices would go lower. Such anticipations, however, are not likely to be realised, and makers are firmly holding to their quotations. Bessemer standard cokes are held up for 13s. 3d., although business has beend one in several instances at 1^-d. below this figure. Oil sheets 10 x 20 are 19s., and 18ip x 14 sizes 13s. 6d. In the galvanised sheet trade business is quiet, and very few new orders are coming forward. The scheme for restriction of output, or, rather, for regulating the supply according to the demand, came into operation this week, and makers are content to play a waiting game until new specifications come into the market. Quotations for 24-gauge corrugateds are still maintained at .£11 to .£11 5s. per ton, with slightly higher rates for forward delivery. In steel bars there continues to be a steady demand, and the Association price of £4 Ils. 3d. for Siemens and £4 10s. for Bessemer is firmly adhered to. Welsh pig iron is still quoted at 65s. f.o.t. In scrap metals, business is dull. New steel crop ends are 58s. 6d., cast scrap 55s., heavy wrought 51s , steel scrap 53s., double-headed iron rails 65s., steel ditto 60s., mixed sections 52s. 6d., and light, wrought scrap 35s. Swansea. GOAL. The trade of the port showed considerable activity last week; the coal trade was brisk, and the patent fuel trade maintained the improvement displayed the preceding week. The shipments of coal and patent fuel were 112,784 tons. There was a good attendance on ’Change this morning, but there was no improvement noticeable in the conditions prevailing on the anthracite coal market. There was a very poor enquiry, and little new business done. Swansea Valley large was offered for prompt delivery at lower figures. Bed Vein large, however, was firm at previous prices. Machine-made nuts were easier, but cobbles main- tained their steady position. Bubbly culm was in brisk demand, but duff was weak. In the steam coal market there was very little movement; bunkers were still slow. Prices of coal f.o.b. Swansea (cash in 30 days). 18/ -19/ 17/ -18/ 19/9-20/ 20/ -20/6 23/ -25/ 18/6-19/ 17/6-18/6 22/ -23/ 27/6-28/6 29/6-32/ WON. The conditions of the local iron and steel trades remain very much as a week ago. Not a great amount of fresh business is being done, and there is still a tendency to defer placing any fresh orders for the moment. Most works being fairly well booked forward, are showing no inclination to quote easier prices. Bar mills keep fairly well employed, most makers being well placed as regards current orders, while quotations show no alteration on the week. Imports of foreign bars at this port for last week total over 10,000 tons, quotations for these showing little or no alteration from a week ago. Work at rail mills is moderately good with prices the same as last reported. A few large orders are likely to come on the market in the early future. Local blastfurnaces are well engaged with current orders, there being a considerable amount of arrears still to be worked off. Welsh haematite is firm at last quoted prices. Tin- plates continue steady, a fair amount of new business having been put through on last week’s prices, while the trend of values to-day is upwards. It is reported that the Caerleon tinplate works has been acquired by Mr. John Paton of Pontypool, and it is understood that an early restart will be arranged. Cardiff. GOAL. Owing to the non-arrival of tonnage and the low char- terings the market has developed a sagging tendency, and in cases where merchants were fortunate enough to have a boat in dock, or a tip available, they have been able to obtain substantial concessions from the prices quoted. Steam coals:— Best Admiralty steam coals Current prices. 18/6-19/ 18/3 17/3-17/6 11/ -11/3 10/9-11/ 8/6- 8/9 6/6- 8/ 18/ -18/3 15/6-16/ 16/6 15/6 14/6 13/6 !2/ 17/6 17/ 16/6 15/6-15/9 20/ 18/ -19/6 17/6 15/ 12/6 14/9-15/ 11/6-11/9 9/ 21/6 20/ -21/ 27/ -28/ 22/ -25/ 19/ -20/ 20/6 L’st week’s prices. 18/6-19/3 18/3-18/6 17/9 11/3-11/6 11/ 8/6- 8/9 7/ - 7/9 18/ -18/6 16/6-17/ 16/6 15/6 14/6 13/3-13/6 12/ 17/9 17/3 16/9-17/ 15/9-16/3 20/ 17/6-18/9 17/6 15/3 12/3-12/6 15/ 11/9-12/ 9/ 21/6-22/6 20/ -21/ 27/ -28/ 20/ -23/ 19/ -20/ 20/ Last year’s prices. 19/6 18/9-19/ 17/6-18/ .16/ 15/9 15/ -15/3 14/6 18/6-19/ 17/ -17/6 16/6-17/ 15/6-16/ 16/3 14/9-15/ . 16/ . 17/9 17/6 16/3-16/6 15/9-16/ 19/6 17/6 18/ 17/ 16/ 16/ -16/3 15/3-15/6 14/6 24/6-25/ 23/ -23/6 33/ 30/ 25/6-28 19/ Superior seconds Ordinary do Best bunker smalls Best ordinaries Cargo qualities Inferior smalls Best dry coals Ordinary drys Best washed nuts Seconds Best washed peas Seconds Dock screenings Monmouthshire— Black Veins Western-valleys Eastern-valleys Inferior do Bituminous coals:— Best house coals (at pit) Second qualities (at pit) No. 3 Bhondda— Bituminous large Through-and-through Small No. 2 Bhondda— Large Through-and-through Small Best patent fuel Seconds Special foundry coke Ordinary do. Furnace coke Pit wood (ex-ship) Coal and patent fuel quotations are for net cash in 30 days. Bhondda bituminous coals at pithead are roughly Is. 3d. per ton less. All pithead prices are usually net. Coke is net f.o.b. Anthracite:— Best malting large (hand picked) (net) Secondary do. Big Vein large (loss 2% per cent.) .......... Bed Vein large do. ... Machine - made cobbles (net) ............. Paris nuts (net) .... French do. do........ German do. do........ Beans (net) ......... Machine - made large peas (net) .......... Do. fine peas (net) Bubbly culm (less2|p.c.) Duff (net)........... Steam coals:— Best large (less 2| p.c.) Seconds do. Bunkers do. Small do. Bituminous coals:— No. 3 Bhondda— Large (less 2|p.c.) ... Through-and-through (less 2| p.c.) ..... Small (less2| p.c.) ... Patent fuel do......... C urrent prices. 21/6-24/ 19/ -21/ 17/6-18/6 15/6-16/6 22/ -25/ 23/6-26/ 23/6-26/ 23/6-25/6 16/9-18/3 12/9-13/9 5/3- 5/9 4/ - 4/6 18/6-19/6 14/9-15/9 10/6-11/6 7/ - 8/3 18/ -19/ 14/ -15/9 10/3-11/3 17/3-17/9 L’st week’s prices. Last year’s, prices. 21/6-24/ 22/6-24/6 19/ -21/ 20/ -21/6 17/6-18/6 16/6-18/3- 15/6-16/6 14/6-15/ 22/ -25/ 21/9-23/9 23/6-26/ 23/6-26/ 23/6-26/ 23/6-26/ 23/6-25/6 23/6-26/ 16/9-18/3 18/ —20/ 12/9-13/9 11,3-13/ 5/ - 5/6 8/3- 8/9 4/ - 4/6 5/6- 6/ 11/6-19/6 18/6-19/ 14/9-15/9 15/9-16/6 10/6-11/6 14/6-16/ 7/ - 8/3 12/6-14/ 18/ -19/ 18/ -19/ 14/ -15/9 16/ -17/ 10/3-11/3 14/3-15/6 17/3-17/9 20/ -20/6 IRON. The tin-plate trade last week was not so brisk as it was a month ago, although most of the mills were engaged full time, and there was a large output. Steadiness was a feature of the pig iron trade, and the yield showed a substantial increase. There was a regular supply of steel ingots, and a good production of bars at all works. The engineering and fitting shops and the foundries were all working well. The shipments of tin-plates were 128,087 boxes, receipts from works 140,092 boxes, and stocks in the dock warehouses and vans 427,281 boxes. Llanelly. ML. ' There is more pessimism in the local trade than has been, known for the past few years. The future prospects certainly appear anything but cheering, and it looks as though there are idle days at the pits in store. The market seems to have collapsed for most qualities? especially for the machine made sorts, which are more difficult to dispose of than any other. Prices are down lower than it was expected they would go again, and buyers who bought ahead a little while ago will